VidMama

Singapore Business Protocol

Singapore is a city that is steeped in protocol and etiquette. This is perhaps the most important aspect of conducting business on the island. International business, is big business in Singapore. Many who travel to the country and stay in the best hotels in Singapore, may not be aware that this is a much more formal culture that that of Western countries such as the United States. One must realize that as it is true for the family unit in Singapore, it is also true in business, that the group or company success as a whole, is much more important than the individual. Singaporeans do not respect those that conduct business in a self-serving manner. There is a strict command chain, those who are in charge are, those who are in charge and their decisions should never be called into question.

In Singapore business, the personal relationship that one establishes becomes very important for the business relationship down the road. Good networking and ties to the right people will provide one with success in any given business venture. The culture is oriented in the group, and once one becomes part of the group, working in the city becomes much easier. These relationships are not created overnight. Patience is required as trust must be gained. It is necessary for the leaders to know that their people truly are in it for the long haul and not just simply the quick personal gain. Singaporeans are of a gentle nature, and the aggressive nature of some on Wall Street may not fair well in the Singapore business world. The calm and peaceful approach, is always the approach.

Most appointments and meeting are scheduled in writing, although in this day and age, many are now being accepted via the telephone or email. Punctuality is one of the many virtues Singaporeans believe that carries the weight of indicating a person’s character. Small talk and conversation is appropriate and expected before any meeting gets underway. Again, is it very important to refrain from criticism or disagreement with those that are senior in rank, as this may destroy the relationship. There are many things to consider when conducting international business, and the cultural expectations are among the top considerations.

Tags: best, hotels, in, singapore

Cape Town Theatre By The Bay

Cape Town South Africa is rich in its cultural history, geographical beauty and landscapes. The arts also play an essential aspect in the daily life of residents and serve as a major attraction for tourists. The theatre scene in Cape Town is alive and thriving with its diverse offerings suited for a variety of interests. The productions include world-class mainstream options, as well as the more edgy, experimental groups. The Theatre on the Bay is a perfect example of this. A multiple functioning facility, the theatre offers great entertainment and dinner to tourists who are staying in the best Cape Town hotels and flock to this South African institution.

Pieter Toerien’s Theatre on the Bay has its main stage theatre and also a restaurant, Act 1 Theatre Café which offers lunch and dinner options for theatre goers. And, as if the theatre couldn’t be more audience friendly, there is also a bar, Dietrich’s, to round out the evening. The productions from the 2009 season include For Generations, which is currently running, The Insatiables, Bigger Better Faster, and Travels with My Aunt, among others. For Generations, written by Kurt Egelhof, is a story of comic beauty, tragic truth and a triumphant return. It was directed by Nic Fine, who had his apprenticeship in Cape Town at The Space Theatre (now known as The People’s Space). He spent time in London before returning to South Africa.

Act 1 Theatre Café is a comfortable and informal restaurant that reminds one they are attending the theatre. There are newspaper reviews and previews positioned under the glass tabletops and production posters on the walls. The menu changes with the seasons and makes this the perfect compliment to a show and offers a full evening’s entertainment at one easy location. The theatre has an excellent subscription package which means up to a 50% savings on their productions.

Tags: best, Cape Town, hotels

Cheong Soo Pieng

Cheong Soo Pieng was born in China in 1917. He began studying art at the Xiamen Academy when he was just sixteen years old. He was the last of seven children and was not discouraged in his pursuit to become an artist by he family or more specifically his parents, but they did not encourage him either. His self motivation is obvious as he graduated from the fine art academy in just three years. He went on to further his studies in Shanghai, however his time there was cut short as the academy he was attending was destroyed during the Sino-Japenese war. So he decided to return to home and to the school of his youth to become a teacher there and to work on his own pieces. For he was known to be an incredible and an inspirational teacher, his own work and his own art making is what drove him. His first one man show was there at the school in 1942 and at the time, he worked in watercolor. Tubes of oil paint where extremely difficult to get a hold of in China at the time.

In 1945, after spending some time in Hong Kong, he decided to move to Singapore. He began teaching at the Nanyang Fine Art Academy. He was a well respected and admired teacher there for more than twenty years. And while he loved teaching, as stated earlier his true passion was in creating his own work. And just before he turned 50 he was able to retire and become a committed full time artist. His innovative and modern way in the school of NanYang Style, has him recognized even today, as one of Singapore’s most revered and influential painters. He continued to paint in watercolor, but became well versed in the use of oil painting and sculpture as well. In galleries, in businesses including the best hotels in Singapore, his works hang on the walls and continue to inspire those who view them, and to influence those who study painting and art. He was recognized for his life time of achievements by the National Museum and was scheduled to hang a retrospective show in 1983. His show was hung, however he passed away four months prior to the opening. His work lives on and he will continue to influence the world of modern art for all of time to come.

Tags: best, hotels, singapore